THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR.

As The Wheels Turn, A Tv Can Control The Crowd

December 03, 2000|By Sharon Honaker. Special to the Tribune.

TVs are moving from the family room to the family van. In increasing numbers, we're finding it harder and harder to walk away from our TVs when we leave home. So, with typical American ingenuity, we're taking them with us.

Sales of televisions for motor vehicles, primarily mini-vans, are exploding and, according to those selling them, there's no fear of a recession.

This year, Best Buy doubled its line of traveling TVs to eight models, including overhead units and "plug and play" portables, which fit between the front seats and have adapter cords for cigarette lighters. Installation is available.

About 20 TVs a month are now being installed at Bredemann Ford in Glenview, said President Joe Bredemann. That's up from five sets a month just a year ago and one a month in 1998. Most are being added to Windstars and Expeditions.

The cost of these cruisin' televisions depends on the model, ranging from the less pricey portables to the upscale ceiling sets with fold-up screens. Options, such as gaming packages, headphones and DVDs, add to the cost. At Best Buy, prices vary from $250 to $1,600; at Bredemann Ford, which sells only mounted units, they're $550 to $2,000.

If money is no object, Circuit City sells multiple-screen custom units that can cost up to $6,000, in addition to half a dozen standard models with more mainstream price tags.

For Erin Wilson of Hawthorn Woods, the cost was an investment in her sanity. With three children under the age of 5 and a five-hour trip to see the grandparents--which she frequently drives solo--her Radio Shack TV provides welcome relief.

"It gives me a break and lets me concentrate on the road. I alternate between `Mom time,' when I provide the entertainment, and `TV time,' " Wilson said. To avoid using the TV as a baby-sitter, she reserves screen time for the highway.

The Wilsons are typical of those buying TVs for their vehicles.

"Most customers are between ages 25 and 50," said Vern Jones, district service manager for Best Buy. "They usually have kids and often are driving them to soccer or football games."

One such soccer mom is Faye Jacobs. With three children playing traveling soccer for the Wilmette Wings, she is constantly driving them and their teammates to games. Her new Oldsmobile Silhouette van and built-in TV is a team favorite.

"I take videos of the kids playing soccer and let them watch the tapes as we're driving," Jacobs said. "My camera plugs into the set so they can even watch themselves on the way home from a game. They absolutely love it."

On other occasions, she likes to use family home videos. "All I hear is laughter. That's a great sound."

Like any new toy, the TV has gone through stages of popularity, Jacobs said. "When we first got it, they watched videos a lot. Then, after about three months, the novelty wore off. Now we're more selective and have set limits to preserve family time."

Although Jacobs expected the TV to generate some arguments, they haven't been a problem. And the bickering that has occurred is all just part of learning to compromise, she says.

Despite their obvious appeal to the Nintendo generation, TVs on wheels aren't reserved for the young. When Steve Graber of Auburn, Ind., drives adults in his van, they often watch a video as the miles roll by.

"Just like a movie on a plane, it helps pass the time," Graber explained.

But not everyone is a fan. When Dottie Earle bought her van, she never considered a TV.

"Do we have to have televisions everywhere we go?" asked the Morton Grove mother of teens. "When we take a trip, it's to see the country and be together as a family. That's precious time."

Karl Otteson of Des Plaines has a portable TV, but the cord broke two years ago. So far, they haven't missed it enough to have it repaired.

If you are considering a mobile TV, here are words of wisdom from those with experience: Despite the name, the units are primarily for playing videos. Reception for TV shows is often marginal, unless the vehicle is stopped. Because tape players wear out, read the warranty.

Good sets are user-friendly. Videos should be simple to load and knobs within reach. Remote controls are really convenient, but easily lost--just like at home. Headphones allow kids to watch TV while adults talk or listen to the radio. Although more expensive, cordless headphones reduce clutter.

The portable models can be removed--eliminating the temptation to watch them--but they're bulky and can be kicked. If you're installing a TV, check before it's mounted to be sure that it doesn't block the driver's view.

Finally, beware of test-driving a vehicle with a television if you're undecided.

"TVs are an easy lure. If they drive a vehicle with one in it, they're probably going to buy it," said Dominic Ford, general manager of Currie Motors in La Grange. His Chrysler/Plymouth dealership installs TVs in about 20 percent of the vans they sell. Last summer a couple came in looking for a new car. The husband wanted a TV; the wife wasn't sure. So they took a van with one in it for a test drive, picking up their children from camp. When they returned, they bought the van and the TV.